Only 44% of those with work experience of five years or less feel very comfortable attending in-person events, according to a new report from Hilton. As a result, planners and attendees must embrace a fresh approach and perspective. The report, called “The Meetings Maximizer: The Next Generation of Meetings & Events,” explores a variety of new insights and solutions to make meetings and events more welcoming across generations – from the Gen Z employee taking on their first full-time job to the Gen X senior leader who has attended meetings and events for their entire career.

Key insights include:

• Fit check: 79% of Gen Z report feeling at least a little anxious about not having the right attire when attending a work event.
• Career advancement: 71% agree that they have met someone at a work event who has helped them further their career.
• Will travel for food: Having food menus sent in advance (60%), non-alcoholic drink options (52%) and food options for people with allergies (52%) offers customized food options designed to reduce meal-time anxieties.
• Plus One, please: Being able to bring at least one “frolleague” – a friend who is also a colleague – or team member to the in-person event empowers 59% of attendees to feel more comfortable.

The report serves as the launch of Hilton’s World’s Most Welcoming Events initiative, paired with the World’s Most Welcoming Events Playbook.

Frank Passanante, senior vice president, global head of sales “the power of in-person gatherings and face-to-face interactions is endless from strengthening workplace culture and building greater team trust to ultimately driving business results.” He added, “Understanding the changing needs of customers and attendees and acting quickly to evolve and innovate is pivotal to propelling our industry forward.”

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